A huge aspect of Westminster's 146th Annual Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan is breed education. Westminster Kennel Club’s Director of Communications, Gail Miller Bisher, says the club likes to highlight what she calls “hidden gem breeds” to help dog lovers and casual fans alike appreciate the history behind the animal—especially when those breeds are dwindling in number. American Foxhounds, Bergamasco Sheepdogs, Sussex Spaniels and Skye Terriers are this year's hidden gems.
4 “Hidden Gem” Breeds to Look for at Westminster’s 146th Annual Dog Show
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Published Jun 8, 2022
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1. American Foxhound
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Temperament: Sweet, athletic
Activity Level: High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
AKC Ranking: 186 of 205
Bred in the good ol’ US of A, American Foxhounds are hunting dogs. Miller Bisher says based on data from the American Kennel Club, there are less than 200 registered American Foxhounds these days. These dogs have been around since the 1800s and are known for being incredibly sweet and healthy pups.
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2. Bergamasco Sheepdog
Height: 22-24 inches
Weight: 57-84 pounds
Personality: Independent, Mellow
Activity Level: Low
Shedding Factor: Non-shedding
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
AKC Ranking: 187 of 205
Bergamasco Sheepdogs are herders with shaggy coats and mellow personalities. Their long, corded coats are—like the Mudi’s—very self-sufficient. No brushing is required after the cords are formed and they don’t shed. Bergamasco Sheepdogs are friendly canines but can have independent streaks, so training and giving them jobs to do is critical.
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3. Sussex Spaniel
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 35-45 pounds
Personality: Playful, affectionate
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
AKC Ranking: 180 of 205
Don’t be fooled by their short stature! Sussex Spaniels are strong dogs with plenty of endurance. Their long ears and flowing, golden-liver-hued coats add a touch of elegance to their trot across the stage. Bred to hunt birds in the Sussex region’s tall, brambly foliage, they learned to signal their hunters with strategic barks, which is why they are more vocal than many other spaniels. (Fun fact: At Westminster’s show in 2019, a Sussex Spaniel named Bean was a fan favorite who eventually lost Best in Show to a Wire Fox Terrier. Could this year be a comeback year for Sussex Spaniels?)
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4. Skye Terrier
Height: 9-10 inches
Weight: 30-45 pounds
Personality: Stubborn, even-tempered
Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Factor: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
AKC Ranking: 178 of 205
Like many terriers, Skye Terriers can be stubborn when it comes to learning commands. This could be because they were bred in 1600s Scotland to dig out badgers and rodents—which takes tenacity. However, when with their family, these are affectionate dogs who enjoy regular playtime.
